Stole (shawl)

A stole is a woman's shawl, especially a formal shawl of expensive fabric used around the shoulders over a party dress or ball gown.

A stole is typically narrower than a shawl, and of simpler construction than a cape; being a length of a quality material, wrapped and carried about the shoulders or arms. Lighter materials such as silk and chiffon are simply finished, that is, cropped, hemmed and bound; heavier materials such as fur and brocade are often lined as well.